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| RAAF 8 CU Former Assignments 2 FBRD |
Pilot P/O R. S. Smith, 23957 (survived) Crew F/Sgt J. G. Laycock, 495746 (survived) Crew F/Sgt W. P. McCutcheon, 426138 (survived) Crew David Charles Tait, 425377 (MIA) Greenslopes, QLD Crashed March 31, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Saunders-Roe completed June 30, 1943 at Cowes. Delivered to the Royal Navy (RN), Fleet Air Arm (FAA) as Walrus II serial number X9515. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and resassembled. Wartime History On September 14, 1943 received by Qantas and reassembled at Rose Bay. Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Walrus II and retained the RN serial number. On December 2, 1943 assigned to No. 2 Flying Boat Repair Depot (No. 2 FBRD). On March 3, 1944 assigned to 8 Communication Unit (8 CU). No known nickname or nose art. Wartime History On March 31, 1944 during take off near Salamo on Fergusson Island piloted by P/O R. S. Smith, one wing dipped into the water and caused the seaplane to capsize and sink. Everyone aboard escaped except for Tait, who went down with the aircraft and was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Memorials Tait was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is memorialized at the Port Moresby Memorial, panel 9 at Bomana War Cemetery. References CWGC - David Charles Tait ADF Serials - A2 Supermarine Seagull & Walrus - Walrus II HD865 National Archives of Australia (naa.gov.au), Series No. A705, File # 66/39/253, Item Barcode: 1081726. Tait, David Charles - (Flight Sergeant); Service No. 425377; File Type: Casualty-Repatriation; Place: Salamo, Ferguson Island, PNG; Date: 31st March, 1944. Access Status: OPEN. Location: Canberra. The following servicemen are mentioned in this report. Additional notes: Laycock JG (Flt/Sgt) 495746; McCutcheon WP (Flt/Sgt) 426138; Smith RS (Pilot Officer) 23957. Walrus HD865 was taking off when its wing dipped and came into contact with the water, the plane crashed. All escaped except Tait, who went down with the aircraf and was classified as MIA. Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 20, 2023 |
 Walrus  MIA 1 Missing |
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